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Weekly Alert September 5th, 2024

West Nile Virus: awareness high in Texas

Local cases highlight importance of prevention

According to the CDC, 377 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been detected in 38 states in 2024, including Texas. Last week, nearly half of Texas adults surveyed (47%) heard about WNV cases occurring earlier this year. Most heard it from TV or radio.

How common is West Nile Virus?

WNV is spread to humans when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. WNV is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. It is mostly spread during the summer and fall. In this week’s survey of 583 adults from 5 states, 36% had heard that West Nile cases were earlier this year. Awareness is trending up from 27% the prior week. Adults over 50 heard this claim more than those under 50 (54% vs 30%).

How severe is West Nile Virus infection?

Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms, and those with mild symptoms usually fully recover within a few days to several weeks. However, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Symptoms can be as mild as fever, headache, swollen lymph glands, or as severe as neck stiffness, convulsions, or paralysis. So far in 2024, about two-thirds of cases have been serious with neurological effects like brain swelling, and in rare instances, respiratory paralysis. 


Last year, 2023, the virus was linked to 182 deaths in the U.S.  

Keeping Texans safe during peak West Nile season

There are no vaccines or medicines that prevent West Nile virus. The best protection is reducing contact with mosquitoes. Remove standing water near your home where mosquitoes like to breed. Wear clothing that covers your skin and use bug spray with DEET to prevent mosquito bites. Please share the resources below to keep Texans informed and protected from West Nile infection.


This week's report is based on responses from a panel of 583 adult residents of Texas (n = 90), St. Louis, MO (n = 145), Omaha, NE (n = 87), Baltimore, MD (n = 119) and Colorado (n = 142) surveyed August 31 – September 2, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeard Texas.

Shareable Resources

Click to download resources to share in your community.

Remember to include #iHeardTexas #iHeardTX when sharing on social media!

Here's what you need to know...
A banner at the top left says “West Nile virus.” An illustration of a mosquito accompanies a text bubble with “377 cases of illness caused by West Nile virus have been reported in the U.S. so far in 2024. Here’s what you need to know.” Below that is an arrow pointing right with “Swipe to learn more” underneath. The bottom right says “Source: CDC.”
An illustration of a mosquito biting a person with medium skin tone’s arm accompanies text saying “West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. It spreads to people when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.” A blue text box underneath says “Most people have no symptoms, and those with mild symptoms usually fully recover in a few days to several weeks. But symptoms can be severe. Those at higher risk of severe illness are: Older adults; People with weakened immune systems.” The bottom right says “Source: CDC.”
A title at the top reads “West Nile symptoms include:” and accompanies 3 colored sections. The first green section says ‘Mild’, with three circled items: “Fever, headache, and swollen lymph glands.” The second blue section says ‘Severe’ with three circled items: “neck stiffness, convulsions and paralysis.” The third red section says serious nervous system infection with two circled items: “Brain swelling” and “Respiratory paralysis.”
A title at the top reads “To avoid mosquito bites:” and accompanies five illustrations with text. The first illustration is puddle of water with the text “Remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed;” the second shows spray bottle with a bug on it with “Use EPA-registered insect repellent;” the third is a sweater and pants with the text “Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants and socks;” the fourth shows the two pairs of feet with pants tucked into boots and the text “Cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin;” the final illustration is two light bulbs with the text “Replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights.” “Source: EPA”
A title at the top says “When is mosquito season?” Below that are the words “Mosquitoes are around as early as February and as late as November. Warm and humid areas can have mosquitoes year-round. Texas is in the southern regions.” Beneath that is a graphic adapted from Best Bee Brothers that shows a map of the United States with each region shaded according to when mosquito season begins in each area. The key says: “Southernmost areas: February–November; South & Southwest: March–September; Mid-Atlantic, Midwest & West: Early April–September; New England, Northern Midwest & West: Late April–September; Northernmost areas: May–September”

Suggested Caption:


Have you been hearing about West Nile virus lately? Here’s what to know about West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S.


#iHeardTexas #MosquitoSeason #Mosquito #WestNileVirus #WNV
Download here

West Nile Virus Fact Sheet
A banner in the top left reads “Product recall.” Images of the Diamond Shruumz logo and a map of the US showing states with cases with Texas bigger and bolder accompany the following text: “Diamond Shruumz products are linked to seizures, respiratory failure, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hallucinations. As of August 16, 2024…People from 29 states affected, including Texas. Sources: FDA, CDC”
Download here

Mosquito Season Fact Sheet
An image of a Diamond Shruumz cone product on the lower left accompanies the following text in bigger font: “59 cases have resulted in hospitalization, and two deaths are suspected to be linked to Diamond Shruumz.” The lower text says “Doctors and scientists aren’t sure which ingredients or combination of ingredients might be causing such serious illness. Sources: FDA, CDC.”
Download here

Combined Resource

Click to download a printer-friendly PDF with all the information above!
Download here
 
 

Find more information on what public health topics are trending this week.


iHeard Texas dashboard

Explore past alert topics and shareable print and digital graphics in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
iHeard alert library
 
Texas CEAL website
NIH CEAL website
 

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